Our Parish

How it all started...

By the grace of God, the Holy Apostles and St Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church in Blacktown has become a spiritual home for hundreds of families in Western Sydney. The parish was established in the early 1990s in temporary rented facilities, before the purchase of the permanent church site at 29 Chicago Avenue under the oversight of the founding priest, Fr Pavlos Hanna. The church officially opened its doors in the mid‑1990s to serve the growing Coptic Orthodox community in Blacktown.

The first liturgies at Chicago Avenue were offered in both Arabic and English; however, over time, the church expanded to include two adjacent buildings: Pope Shenouda English Service and St Abanoub Arabic Service. A third church, St Paul’s, was later built behind the complex, about a one-minute drive away, extending the service to mixed couples and international Orthodox Christians.

Leadership and Clergy

The parish remains blessed to have dedicated clergy who shepherd the flock faithfully. The current serving priests are:

  • Fr Pavlos Hanna
  • Fr Athanasious Ibrahim
  • Fr Philtaous Metri
  • Fr Andrew Francis
  • Fr David ElMasri

These fathers jointly oversee the three services (English, Arabic, and St Paul’s), as well as youth ministries and bible studies.
Click here to learn more about our priests

A brief history

  • 1990s – A small community of Coptic families in Blacktown began gathering in hired halls, led by Fr Pavlos.
  • Mid‑1990s – The property at 29 Chicago Avenue was acquired, and the main site was consecrated.
  • Late 1990s to early 2000s – Two sanctuaries were constructed next to each other, Pope Shenouda English Service and St Abanoub Arabic Service, allowing simultaneous liturgies in different languages.
  • Late 2000s – Recognising continued growth, the parish established St Paul’s Church a short distance down the road, which now hosts additional liturgies, classes, and community events.
  • 2025 – St Abanoub Arabic Church celebrates 30 years of consecrated service to the community.

Our 3 Churches

St Abanoub Arabic church

29 Chicago Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148

Pope Shenouda English church

34 Fifth Avenue. Blacktown, NSW 2148

St Pauls Coptic church

49 Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, NSW 2148

Our Community

Since its earliest days, the parish of The Holy Apostles and St Abanoub has been marked by a spirit of unity and growth. From one humble rented room to three distinct church projects, the hand of the Lord has guided the community. Families have watched their children grow in faith through liturgy, Sunday School, youth groups, and Coptic hymn education.

With five faithful priests serving in both Arabic and English, and ministries that engage every generation, the Blacktown parish is a living example of Christ’s love serving Western Sydney.